Social club to open in Gowanus

The owner of a popular wedding venue in Gowanus is planning to build another facility that will house private parties and a members-only social club, DNAinfo reported. Akiva Reich, the owner of the Green Building at 452 Union Street at Bond Street in Gowanus, will develop the second property at 501 Union Street between Bond and Nevins streets. He told DNAinfo he the new site will be a combination catering hall and community center that will also house a private club called 501 Social.

The venue will be created in 1931 building that formerly housed an auto body shop. Reich told DNAinfo that the building will be “magnificent” and include a 50-foot skylight in the center of one room and custom light fixtures when complete. It is slated to be completed by late spring.

The venue includes a 3,500-square-foot main hall with a bar, a 1,300-square-foot outdoor area and a smaller cocktail lounge. The facility can be rented for weddings, corporate events and other private functions.

Reich also told DNAinfo that he also has new plans for the Green Building, which opened in 2008. This spring, Reich will host a dance and theater series at the property. [DNAinfo] –Hayley Kaplan